Nation

Tourist Left Disappointed After Mistaking Tiny Merlion for Iconic Landmark in Singapore

2025-04-18

Author: Siti

A Case of Mistaken Identity in Merlion Park

The iconic Merlion statue is a must-see for tourists in Singapore, standing tall at an impressive 8 meters in the heart of Merlion Park. However, one Chinese tourist recently found herself quite disappointed after her visit.

She had expected to marvel at the legendary symbol of Singapore but was met instead with a much smaller version—the 2-meter tall 'Merlion cub.' In her post on Xiaohongshu, she expressed her discontent, stating, "I'm a little disappointed after seeing the Merlion. It's a small sculpture that sprays water. Back home, I can find fountains larger than this in any garden."

The Real Merlion Is Just Around the Corner!

Unbeknownst to her, Singapore boasts a total of six Merlion statues recognized by the Singapore Tourism Board. The statue she stumbled upon is merely the offspring of the main attraction, which lies just a short walk away, near the Fullerton Hotel and facing Marina Bay Sands.

For those who want to ensure they’re at the right statue, the main Merlion is typically surrounded by bustling crowds eager to snap a picture with the beloved icon.

Netizens Respond with Humor and Advice

Social media users wasted no time in letting her know about her error, with one cheeky commenter stating, "This is the actual Merlion's child, you're not looking at the right one." Others chimed in with stunning photos of the main Merlion statue, illustrating what she had missed.

Some comments took a more educational tone, with one user pointing out, "Thankfully I've visited, if you're in an area with a good view, and you're not blind, you'll know this is not the Merlion everyone talks about." In contrast, a few followers were also confused, asking whether the Merlion was indeed that small, prompting questions about her expectations.

Will She Ever See the Real Merlion?

The incident raises the question—did she eventually find the main Merlion statue? For many visitors to Singapore, a selfie with this iconic landmark is not just an experience; it’s a rite of passage. Let’s hope she manages to capture that photo opportunity on her trip!